Literature is not static at all. Dynamism is its prime driving force. It keeps growing and constantly changing from generation to generation. That means every age has its specific point of interest and specified way of feeling and thinking about things.
And most importantly, the literature that produces these particular heeds and emotional states is mainly controlled and dominated by some pinpointed prevailing tastes. But these tastes last for a certain period only. The reason is tastes of one age, for sure, often differ immensely from those of another era.
Works of eminent authors of the previous ages are the best examples. For example, authors didn’t write the same kind of texts because there was no reader to like or be ready to enjoy the same things repeatedly. Readers during Pope’s days didn’t want to cherish poetries as in Spenser’s days.
During the time of Spenser, unending enthusiasm remained the driving force that delivered unique pieces like “The Faerie Queene.” On the other hand, “An Essay on Man” by Alexander Pope shows a different taste of human feelings and interests. It unlocked optimistic philosophy. Through this poem, Pope embraced an enthusiastic but rationalistic approach.
These examples show that enormous enthusiasm for Latin and Greek classics acted as the prime force of English literature during the Elizabethan era. In reality, this massive passion and keenness emerged with an identity that modern people call Renaissance.
Also, during the same period, writers and readers both felt the powerful spell of popular Italian literature. Even they went through the same passion under the influence of seventeenth-century French literature. In truth, this trend of embracing the same warmth and zeal continued after crossing hundred years with the German literature.
Furthermore, a reawakening of the long-neglected middle ages literature from 1750 onwards triggered the vital “Medieval revival” that reached its peak through Scott and Coleridge. This journey manifests how literary influences initiate new currents of taste that even engulf the independent authors.
In a word, it reveals that the literary flow survived with the ever-growing and ever-changing passion. And once more proved that literature is not static.
Nonetheless, some critics possess an opposite view regarding the influences that hugely impact literature. According to the critics, they indeed affect literature, but not all of them are literary. They say those influences don’t belong to books. In truth, they appear from normal life and society.
